Stephen A. Smith Has A $25 Million Pay Cheque Lurking As Noise Around His Jimmy Kimmel Dream Grows

ESPN Sportscaster Stephen A. Smith has been a prominent face for quite some time now. Having been with the network for over 12 years, the 56-year-old may be looking to try out his talents in a different sphere of broadcasting. Smith’s current contract with ESPN is reportedly set to expire by July 2025. This would be only one year before renowned comedian and television host Jimmy Kimmel is expected to drop out from his decades-long show. This has raised speculation about whether Smith would be looking to make use of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and try his hand at late-night comedy.

During a recent interview with Front Office Sports, ‘Barrett Media’ President Jason Barrett addressed the above-mentioned rumor, stating that Smith would be a suitable replacement for Jimmy Kimmel. He also believes if things don’t work out, then ESPN would be willing to welcome Smith back with open arms and a jaw-dropping $25 million contract. He continued, “I’m surprised he didn’t do it five years ago. He’s a big enough star. Saturday Night Live parodies him on their show.” But how does ESPN feel about all of this?

Back in 2019, Stephen A. Smith signed a five-year, $60 million contract with ESPN. By locking down a salary higher than most NBA players, the 58-year-old became one of the network’s highest-paid sportscasters. Even as the network laid off several of its renowned on-air talents like Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson last year, Smith continued to hold on to his job. Judging by the loyalty that ESPN has supposedly shown to their employee over the past few years, there is a high chance that they may not be ready to let Smith go anytime soon.

Stephen A. Smith claimed that he would ‘love to be the heir apparent’ to Jimmy Kimmel!

Many fans may not know it, but Stephen A. Smith had already put his name in the ring to replace Kimmel before the latter even had the chance to put out the statement about his ‘final’ contract. Back in January 2023, Smith sat down for an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity. While discussing his then-newly released memoir, Straight Shooter, the ESPN anchor expressed his wish to be a part of the Late-Night circle in the foreseeable future. “I am interested in doing late night,” said Smith.

He continued, “I would love to be the heir apparent to Jimmy Kimmel. I believe I could do it”, he continued. By raising the issue of the 56-year-old comedian being allegedly ‘one-sided’, Smith claimed that he would “throw everybody for a loop” as he would not focus on just one part of a political spectrum. “I’m not a one-sided kind of guy” Smith acknowledged. “I’m one-sided on issues. I’m not one-sided on ideology.”

What are your thoughts on Stephen A Smith possibly becoming the new face of a late-night talk show? Let us know in the comments down below.

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